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Lupita Nyong’o’s children book ‘Sulwe’ to be adapted into an animated musical on Netflix

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The bestselling children’s book, Sulwe, written by Lupita Nyong’o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, will be turned into an animated musical through Netflix. 

The book takes readers on a journey while speaking on colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within. 

Sulwe tells a story about a Kenyan native child who was born with a darker skin, the color of midnight, darker than anyone she knows and all she wants to be is beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. the child goes through a  journey where she learns to embrace her inner and outer beauty. 

“The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart,” Nyong’o, who was raised in Kenya, said in a statement. “Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love.”

She continued, “Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colorism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value. I am thrilled that the book is being adapted into an animated musical that we hope inspires children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness.”

The picture book was published in October 2019 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and was a New York Times bestseller.

Earlier this year, Nyong’o read “Sulwe” as part of Netflix’s Bookmarks, a live-action series that features influential Black celebrities and artists reading children’s books from Black authors that highlight the Black experience. 

Netflix hasn’t confirmed the release date for the animated musical as of yet, but be on the look out for this much needed inspirational film. 

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